general
European far right backs Orban as scandals and polls threaten his re-election
A small Budapest rally brought top European far-right figures to show support for Viktor Orban, but Fidesz faces poll deficits, corruption and environmental scandals, and questions about Russian ties ahead of the April election.
Mar 25th 2026 · Hungary
Insights
- About 2,000 people attended the 'Patriots' Grand Assembly' in Budapest where Viktor Orban spoke alongside Geert Wilders, Marine Le Pen and Santiago Abascal.
- Fidesz trails the united opposition by a wide margin in polls ahead of the April 12 parliamentary election.
- The government is diverting state funds and personnel to the campaign, actions critics say may be illegal.
- A corruption scandal over a roughly €275 million National Bank renovation linked to former chief Gyorgy Matolcsy has become a symbol of elite excess.
- A battery factory north of Budapest is accused of long term environmental violations and worker exposure to toxic dust, with allegations of government inaction.
- Reporting and analysts say ties between Hungarian officials and Moscow, including Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto's calls with Russia, have raised concerns about foreign influence.